Advanced Physiologic Imaging: Perfusion – Theory and Applications

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is fundamental to the management of patients with brain tumors. Specifically, the characterization of angiogenesis, which is a hallmark of cancer cells, is crucial for the translation of new therapies into the clinic and for assessing therapeutic effects in individual patients. In this context, noninvasive characterization of hemodynamic parameters on MRI has emerged as an important diagnostic tool. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the basic principles and clinical applications of the various MRI perfusion techniques in neuro-oncology.